touch football

noun

1. an informal variety of football in which the touching, usually with both hands, of a ball-carrier by a member of the opposing team results in a down.

touch football

noun

1. an informal version of American football chiefly characterized by players being touched rather than tackled

Word History and Origins

Origin of touch football¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The spoof opens with the squeaky-clean Manning playing touch football with the group, encouraging everyone in the huddle to practice teamwork and have fun.

From Los Angeles Times

He quickly became the popular young teacher at Pacoima Middle School, who played touch football with the boys after school, broke up fights and could actually teach.

From Los Angeles Times

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss wrote about how Theodore Roosevelt was frequently pictured boxing, horseback riding and hiking, while John Kennedy swam, sailed and played touch football despite serious injuries sustained during the war.

From Seattle Times

He continued, "The most fun was delivering food to a touch football game. I was like, 'Where's the building I'm supposed to be delivering to?' It was a field. There was a bunch of dudes."

From Salon

Junior middle linebacker Eddie Plaza of Birmingham sometimes forgot he was playing touch football.

From Los Angeles Times